Lunar Ray Project
Grade: 8-adult
Object: To map the bright lunar ray systems.
Methods: Lunar ray systems are best observed under high illumination (near full
moon). At these times, participants are to examine the bright ray systems
associated with craters. Sketches, photographs, and electronic images (CCD,
Video) are all welcome. Example ray systems include Copernicus, Tycho, and
Messier A & B. A map of the rays can be produced from these images.
School Instruction: for teachers, this project offers students an excellent
opportunity to participate in a scientific project. You might further explore
with your students the origin of ray systems (the fine ejecta that is first
ejected upon meteor impact), as well as measurement parameters (what is the
'crater diameter:ray system length' ratio; what are the determinants of ray
system length).